by Susan Itell | Jan 17, 2014 | Super Easy, Valentines |
Good Morning! I know that last week I shared with you a bunch of Valentines appropriate cards and here is another one that I simply could not resist sharing with you! I think it is just adorable and can you say…easy!
My inspiration came from a similar card that was hanging at convention and I put my thinking cap on to make it a twist of my personality and here you go….one clean, classic and simple card!
This week was my monthly Breast Cancer project and we made multiples of this card for patients but simply omitted the sentiment! The gals putting together the cards loved it!
Here you go….I hope you CASE this one as it comes together super quick! Do you remember last month I shared with you tips and tricks on breaking down a project so you are not so overwhelmed? This is a classic example!
- For ease – I would take advantage of the Cut & Ready Bases…makes multiple tasks so easy!
- I would do all of my stamping of the hearts at one time on scraps of paper – LOVE using up those scraps!
- I would stash the hearts and the heart punch in a baggie and when I was at lunch I would pop them out!
- I would cut out all of my layered papers at one time. I would stamp the tree on the very vanilla.
- I would assemble all of my cards at one time!
Time is so darn tooin' precious for all of us and if we take projects that we want to tackle and break them down, step by step, it eliminates stress and we enjoy ourselves more!
Let me get to enabling you….have fun and please feel free to email me if you need help!
- The base is a Cut & Ready Card Base in Very Vanilla.
- The Cherry Cobbler piece is 5" X 3 3/4" – REMEMBER to use this base to pop out shapes to save your paper….just love saving paper!
- The Very Vanilla piece is 4 3/4" X 3 1/2"
- Using Early Espresso Ink, I stamped the "tree" onto my base! This is from the Take Care Stamp Set!
- On pieces of scraps, I stamped the hearts in cherry cobbler and then popped them out with the small heart punch! This is from the Language of Love Stamp Set! I love that you can get the heart punch in between each heart image and not waste a stamp!
- Before I put my "hearts" on…I took the early esspresso marker and put a quick loop…(don't stress about making them….just do it )- remember…who ever is lucky enough to get it this card from you will just LOVE IT! Look at the below picture and you can see that I put a small drop of the liquid multipurpose glue that I love so…why? I wanted them to lay FLAT….and I also like that I can wiggle them a bit to get them exactly where I want them!
- Time for the sentiment…this sums it up! "Thanks for being mine" is such a great sentiment for Vantentine's Day! This came from the Love you to the moon stamp set!
- Lining the envelope was easy with the Envelope Liner Framelit and the paper came from the Seasons of Style DSP (the christmas paper) = I had some extra and it is perfect with this card!
Wham…BAM…cute card – do you like it? I hope that it brought a smile to your face! To me – this has seemed like a L O N G week and I am thankful that the weekend is here!
Please make sure that you check back to the Paper Pumpkin Post as I answered many questions that you left comments on….we all seem to think a like but I know you well enough that these next couple months are going to be great – plus, you will get a free set of In Color markers! Woot-Woot!
I hope that you all have some fun plans for the weekend ahead! Have a great day and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 16, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It is Thursday and you know that that means! Another week of the Pals Paper Art Challenge! This week is a "sketch" challenge and below you will see the sketch that our very own…very talented….Margaret Moody created for us this week!
If you follow me…and I hope you do…and if not (subscribe to my blog) – I usually do not like the sketch challenges as well as the color ones but the minute I saw this one….I knew I loved it! Please play alng with us this week….you have absolutely nothing to loose!
Let's get to what you popped by for!
- The card is a standard A-2 card but I made it into a vertical card…scoring at the 5 1/2" point! The color is the super yummy So Saffron!
- CONFESSION TIME: – When Hannah (my beautiful and fun daughter) was home for the holidays…she helped me unback an order! As she was helping me un-do the Designer Series Paper…she said a BIG WOW – I love this collection! It is a keeper and it is called Retro Fresh…fun, fresh….just a crisp new vibe for us! I was "on the fence" with it until I saw it in real life!!!
- Adding a bit of a fun twist to the left side…I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch in Tangerine Tango…this is a sooooo simple touch that creates a WOW effect!
- Time for the "focal part" of the card…the OOBER FUN NEW Stamp Set of Perfect Pennants made is soooo easy…a stamp with Baked Brown Sugar…and then using the 2 1/2" Circle Punch made it a cinch to bring together! This is ONE GREAT STAMP SET!
- The simple and wasy touch of double matting the circles and then doing the "Susan dots" around the edge makes it soooo simple! I popped this whole piece with Stampin' Dimensionals!
- I just felt it needed a little something more….so out came the Boho Blossoms Punch…and using the 3 focal colors and a quick punch was all that it needed! I "balled" up the flowers to give them some texture and then adhered them with a glue dot. Simple…DONE!
- A quick and simple pearl in the middle was the BINGO-BANGO finishing touch! Love these little gems!
- The finale was to line the OUTSIDE of the back flap of the envelope! It's fun to switch it up a bit!
I hope that you CASE away as I think this turned out super cute….this sketch os a keeper and can be easily adapted in many ways!
Don't forget to check out the Weekly Deals that Stampin' Up! is offering this week! It is wonderful that they do this every week! Remember – they go from Tuesday morning to Monday evenng! Click here to see what is on the week!
Please pop by the Paper Arts Website and see all of the great inspiration that is out there….remember – these challenges are open to everyone and that means YOU!
As always, email me if I can be of help to you and I truly appreciate you popping by today! This has been such a busy week for me at work…it is great to take a creative break and spend time with you!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 15, 2014 | Things you just have to buy! |
Have you ever felt this way? My Mom always said that you are always far better ahead to admit that you made a mistake! Well….part of this post is a perception of something that I am changing my thought process! The below cartoon pretty well sums it up!
Last year at Leadership Convention, they launched the Paper Pumpkin Program…we were all given the "intro" kit and until last night….it remained unopened in my closet!
Yep – I am confessing that I have had this set for over a year and it has sat there in its box until last night…The inspiration I saw 1st hand at Leadership this year….NOW my opinion has changed!
Now hopefully by now you know me well enough in the fact that I am a straight shooter and I would not "steer you wrong"! By nature, I love creating my own works of art and I think that this is the primary reason that I never "bought into the Paper Pumpkin" concept!
Well…the confession of an honest stamper and demonstrator….I have changed my mind! I will admit, that the reviews that I have read over the past year have been not the best and you know what??? Stampin' Up! listened!
Here is the started kit ( the 1st one you'll get for $19.95)
Last week I had the opportunity to preview the Paper Pumpkin Kits for Jan, Feb and March and I was saying a big WOOT-WOOT when I saw them! WHY???? Easy-peasy….as they (Stampin' Up!) has listened to feedback and have made significant changes!
SOOOOO….here's the scoop…I totally encourage YOU to sign up for this program….WHY? – Well 1st…you have already heard me say that I believe in it and I think we know each other well enough now…..2nd – you will not be disappointed….and if it is something that you do not like…I will buy the kit back from you and you can cancel getting anymore kits…you have nothing to loose!
Here are the nuts and bolts of the facts!
- Click here and you will see the Paper Pumpkin Website and see what the introduction kit contains! Each and every month you will be shipped a new kit of fun right to your door and it is $19.95 a month and the best part is that you can "skip a month" if you want….or you can "cancel" at and time!
- The "magical" date of every month is the 10th – This is the day that you can either decide that you want to "skip a month or cancel" and if not – you will be automatically shipped your special surprise!
- When you sign up for the Paper Pumkpin, please use my name, Susan Itell as your demonstrator!
At the beginning, you will get the starter kit…these are some things I whipped up using the 2 stamps that are in the kit…The "intro" kit comes with the supplies to make 4 of the cards that you see I made….but remember – you will be getting (2) stamps..a mini stamp pad….and a clear block….
All of this in itself is worth the $19.95!!!
Last we, I had a great "heart to heart " with the Stampin' Up! employee that was there…(I was waiting for a friend as she was oober excited to see what was new)…and I was ya-da-ya-da etc….when the employee asked me why I did not use the Paper Pumpkins, it was easy – I said – that I like coming up with my own creations plus I have heard some not so positive feedback!
She took me behind a screen - (as believe it or not, there are many SUD that do not want to see what is next coming next month) and when I saw Jan, Feb and March – I was WOWED!!!!
Now Jan. was great….and February was Super…..and March is WOWZERS!!!! So this is the end scoop! Please order your Paper Pumpkin today to get going…..and please use me as your demonstrator….you will receive this started kit as shown above for February and then your first month will begin with the BINGO-BANGO month of March!
Now…because I am able to order these as a "cash and carry" item….(I am going to "stock up" for February's offering as it is oober cute and it is great for gifts)….and for every person that signs up with me….I am going to order that amount for February (as I know you are going to LOVE it)
I will privately show you the kit once it comes out and if you want it – I will ship it to you for free and you would simply just owe me the kit price! If you do not like it when I email you the contents of the February's kit….no worries! (It is soooo cute that I am going to buy several extra's to have on hand for a quick gift for friends!)
So….the moral of the story is "what do you have to loose"? – NOTHING! I actually am super excited about this…and Stampin' Up! has listened to the fact that customers need to be making more than (4) cards a kit….March's kits is for 8 cards…and February is not cards….but you will be smiling!!!!
Enough on this….Please sign up and you will be happy and if no – cancel by the 10th and you will be done! Please remember to use me as your demonstrator! If you do this…you will receive a FREE set on In Color Markers…..this is only good until February 10th….another reason to say WOOT-WOOT!
Now as promised….here are the pictures of the "loot" of 14 cards that is on its way to California! WOOT-WOOT to everyone but a special "kudo's" to Jane Keller!!!!
Wasn't the BLOG HOP fantastic!!! I was so excited to see everyone's talent….I am always amazed at the talent that is out there….
Speaking of talent – tomorrow is the Pals Paper Art Challenge that YOU can do…..please pop back tomorrow as I think you will like my card….super quick and easy….just like the Paper Pumpkins….I do hope that you will hop on the Paper Pumpkin fun train…..when I think it's time to "jump off" – I'll be the best "conductor" I can be and give you a "head's up"!!!
Until tomorrow….let's all have a great day!
by Susan Itell | Jan 14, 2014 | Thank You, Watercoloring |
This is probably my favorite day of the month in being a part of Mary Fish's PALS group…I love to see the continual inspiration, talent and just plain ans simple fun that the PALS bring out to all with our monthly PALS Blog Hop! Thanks for popping by!
Welcome to our first blog hop of 2014. This month we are excited to show you the new products available in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog as well as a preview of the free products you can earn through Sale-a-bration at the end of January.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space on the Pals Hop. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.
Let's get to it because you all know that I love the New Occasions Catalog but I wish….I truly wish that I could show you all of the incredible offerings Stampin' Up! has for us in this years Sale-A-Bration….but the great news is…it is just 2 short weeks away….you're gonna love the freebies!!!!
Here you go….as always, please feel free to email me with any questions you might have and if you have not already subscribed to my blog, please do so on the right side bar….I will give you a daily dose of inspiration with your morning coffee!
- The base is an A-2 card but scored at the 5 1/2" side to make a vertical card! I like switching it up!
- The colors of ink I used were Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Crisp Cantaloupe!
- The Designer Series Paper, Water Color Wonder is a MUST have from the new catalog….just look below all of the great patterns there are…it is just beautiful!
- The Water Color Wonder Paper is 2 1/2" X 4 1/4" and then I matted a piece of Island Indigo just a "smidge" bigger ( just love that word!!!)
This is a simple card to re-create and a great layout for just about any occasion and stamp set…remember what I have said before…..if you have a great layout – use it OVER and OVER again…once you change up the stamps and colors etc…no one will ever notice as it is a clean, crisp and simple card that carries a BIG WOW!
- Pulling a "teaser" from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog is the Crisp Cantaloupe Twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack….you will also get 2 more colors of twine plus a lot more!!! I say WOOT-WOOT!
I hope that you have enjoyed my post today and it makes you smile and think of "sunshine of Spring" that will be around the corner!
Please stop back tomorrow as I will share with you the 14 cards that the lucky winner, Jane Keller won as well as I have an exciting "realization" that hit me on the head while in Houston! It is a "confession" of an honest Stampin' Up Demonstrator!
Please keep HOPPING away and be a BIG sponge and take all of the posting in….there is truly soooo much talent out there!!!
Remember, We are "officially" one month from Valentines Day and do not wait to order special stamps etc….the Valentines Collection that Stampin' Up! has this year is while supplies last – Last week I did several posts on this day of love! You can hit my SHOP NOW button (upper right) and order in your jammies!
Well….what do you think? Did you like today's post….and more importantly – DO you like the new catalog…What is your favorite stamp set!?!?
As always, many thanks for popping by and until tomorrow!
The next stop is Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
- Goldie Shaul at Punch and Stamp
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Janice Warhank at Janice's Papercraft Playground
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Lisa Gaines-Davis at Cherry St. Papertreats
- Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
by Susan Itell | Jan 13, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Valentines |
Back to reality!!! It was wonderful to be away but it was also wonderful to be home….as "Dorothy" says..."There's no place like home…." I was welcomed by my loving dogs…my precious pig, Daisy….and even the horses were happy that I went down to check on them and gave them a carrot!
Do you have a friend that makes you laugh….keeps you always guessing "what's next"…someone that never ceases to amaze you ….well that is Jeanie….and do you remember that the weekend before I left for Houston I shared with you that Jeanie and I had a "play session"?
Well….this card is her brain child and I asked her if I could "tweak it a bit" to make it my own! She is one talented person – I only wish that we kept the same sleep schedule as we live in the same town….she is a night owl and I am the early bird! We often laugh that she is probably going to bed when I am getting up!
Let's get to this fun, festive and oober cute Valentines Card!!! It looks like it could be hard, but let me break it down for you and you will see that it is very "do-able" Ready….set…..LET'S GO!
- The base of the card is a Pool Party Cut & Ready Base….these make it soooo easy to get the card going quick! I simply cut 1 1/2" off the top of the card…..
- TIP ALERT: This is why the Grid Paper is sooooo key – you can line up the card and "juggle around the hearts" to make sure that the hearts do not go beyond the 5 1/4" mark so your card will fit into a regular A-2 envelope! Later on this….
- Can you see the fun dimension on the Cherry Cobbler Heart???….wondering where did that come from??? It is part of the Sale-A Bration that will be here sooooo soon – actually 2 weeks from tomorrow and it can be YOURS FREE!!!! You are going to love….Love…LOVE the offerings of free goodies!
- How do you line up the hearts????….simple – put the card base on the grid paper or if you do not have this…mark a pencil mark on a piece of paper at 5 1/2" so you will not go over that mark to make sure it fits in your envelope and randomly place your hearts….cute….right!!!
- Now to the simple and wow factor that I adore…..the "love" framelit from Expressions Framelits….( I know – they were in the Holiday Catalog and are no longer available) but I also realize that many of you have it! What could you do if yo do not have them….SIMPLE – add a sentiment there or a cluster of hearts! BAM – Done!
- A tool that I think we forget about and I do not know why as it is just #3.95…the Uni-Ball White Gel Pen adding the little white "Susan dots" adds a dimension! Fun and Quick!
- Last….envelope time! The envelope liner framelit (that is STILL on sale for just today…woot-woot) makes the project come to life!
Cute card!!!! I truly hope that you case away and I hope that you can leave a comment and say a big THANK YOU to Jeanie for her great layout….If we could hibernate together without interruptions – WOWZERS – we would come up with some amazing cards….
Are you ready for tomorrow…..TOMORROW will be a fun…FUN day as it is the PALS BLOG HOP….inspiration to the max! We will be featuring projects using the new Occasions catalog as well as items from the Sale-A -Bration catalog!!!!
Back to work tomorrow…but trust me – when I come home – straight to my "creative outlet"…..get excited and be excited for many fun things coming your way with Stampin' Up!
Please tell your family and friends about my blog….I am SUPER CHARGED and SUPER EXCITED for Sale-A-Bration to be here….it is a great celebration and a great way for YOU to earn exclusive free products from Stampin' Up!
Thank you for being YOU….and thank you for being so supportive…..have a great day and let's all have a great week….
Until tomorrow….
p.s. – notice the pictures….there are "Houston Bathtub Pictures"
p.p.s. – To thank Jeanie….I am going to drop off over 65 cards for her to go WOWZERS over tomorrow while I am at work – the SWAPS!!!! ( I'll be sure to get them back for you!)
